Train operations on Hajipur-Barauni section via Bachwara affected
Helpline numbers: Sonpur- 06158221645, Hajipur- 06224272230, Barauni- 06279232222
Eleven coaches from the rear of a train number 12487 Jogbani – Anand Vihar Seemanchal express derailed at the Sahdai Buzurg Railway station between Hajipur and Bachwara on East Central Railway’s Sonpur division killing seven and injuring 30 people .
Of those injured, three passengers are reported to have sustained serious injuries.
According to East Central Railway, the accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday at 0358 hours. Train traffic has been suspended on the Hajipur – Barauni route via Bachwara as of now.
Senior officials have rushed to the accident site including the Chairman, Railway Board, Vinod Kumar Yadav, Member Engineering GM East Central Railway and the DRM Sonpur.
According to latest statement from IR, rescue operations have been completed with the help of two NDRF teams and doctors, which were rushed to the site of accident immediately.
All injured passengers have been moved to nearby private, district hospitals and the Railway Hospital.
Medical expenses of injured passengers will be borne by Railways, a statement from the Indian Railways said, adding that adequate free catering arrangements have been made at site, Patna, Hajipur and at hospitals for passengers.
The unaffected 12 coaches have been cleared and moved to Danapur along with the passengers where additional coaches will be attached and the special train will move for New Delhi’s Anand Vihar Terminal.
A probe has been ordered and the Commissioner of Railway Safety/Eastern Circle will conduct an inquiry into this accident.
Compensation
IR has announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 Lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased, Rs.1 lakh to grievously injured and Rs 50,000/- to passengers who sustained simple injuries.
The Bihar government has also announced ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000/- to those injured according to media reports.
The helpline numbers are: Sonpur- 06158221645, Hajipur- 06224272230, Barauni- 06279232222
The Prime Minister and others took to Twitter to express their grief over the accident:
One Twitter user expressed frustration at the chaotic situation at the accident site
This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
